Type 2 diabetes - Keep your blood sugar stable with these Thai classics

Type 2 diabetes - Keep your blood sugar stable with these Thai classics

Thai food is one of the fastest growing cuisines in the West. And with dishes that are tastier and more filling than most other countries, it's no wonder that more and more type 2 diabetics are turning to Thai food to eat healthily without having to choke down boring salads and sandwiches.

However, not every Thai dish on the menu at your local Thai restaurant is suitable for diabetics. A meal of papaya salad, fried noodles, and sweetened sticky rice is likely to send your blood sugar higher than a kite. Luckily, there are a few delicious Thai dishes that are ideal for keeping diabetics' blood sugar in check.

Spicy shrimp soup:Spicy Shrimp Soup (also known as “Tom Yom Goong”) contains fresh shrimp, Thai spices and coconut milk. While not as healthy as salmon, shrimp is rich in omega-3 fats. Omega-3 fats fight the inflammation that underlies insulin resistance. Research published in2009 “FASEB Journal”found that supplementation with seafood omega-3 fatty acids reduced insulin resistance due to obesity.

Coconut curry:Coconut curries like panang curry are bursting with foods like vegetables and lean meats that should form the foundation of your diabetic diet. Coconut oil is rich in a unique type of fat known as medium-chain triglycerides. A paper in February 2009“Research report on diabetes metabolism”” concluded that medium-chain triglyceride-rich foods help diabetics control their blood sugar.

Winds:Fried Morning Glory is the perfect Thai side dish. Morning Glory is a green vegetable that can help you lose weight. Studies show that diabetics who eat their fill of vegetables tend to weigh less than those who avoid vegetables.

Grilled Chicken:Many Thai restaurants offer grilled or baked chicken. Once you remove the skin, this dish becomes fairly low in saturated fat and calories. Research suggests that increasing your protein intake from healthy sources like grilled chicken can keep your appetite in check and even boost your metabolism.

Steamed vegetables:It doesn't get much healthier than steamed vegetables like broccoli, tomatoes, onions, and carrots. however,Thais wouldn't accept a boring dish like steamed vegetables alone. A pinch of salt and a generous amount of coconut milk take a diet classic from boring to delicious.

Fresh fruit:Thailand offers fruits such as pineapple, dragon fruit and mango, which are not only aromatic but also packed with important vitamins and minerals. Ask your local Thai restaurants to prepare a fruit plate with traditional Thai fruits for your dessert. Be sure to limit your fruit consumption as certain Thai fruits such as mango and pineapple are high in sugar.

Inspired by Beverleigh H Piepers